Zika Virus and Pregnancy (Infographic)

PFSI011
Mosquito Bite Prevention
If you must travel to one of the areas where Zika virus is spreading,
strictly follow these four steps to prevent mosquito bites:
 Use EPA-registered bug spray with DEET, picaridin, IR3535,
oil of lemon eucalyptus, paramenthane-diol, or 2-undecanone.
Used as directed, these sprays are safe for pregnant and
breastfeeding women.
 Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
 Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or buy
permethrin-treated items.
 Stay in air-conditioned or screened-in areas during the day
and at night.
Follow these steps at all times. Mosquitoes are active during
the day and night.
The following web sites
give the latest information
about Zika virus:
• www.cdc.gov/zika
• www.acog.org/zika
• www.immunizationfor
women.org/zika
PFSI011: Designed as an aid to patients, this document sets forth current information and opinions
related to women’s health. The information does not dictate an exclusive course of treatment or procedure
to be followed and should not be construed as excluding other acceptable methods of practice.
Variations, taking into account the needs of the individual patient, resources, and limitations unique to
the institution or type of practice, may be appropriate.
Copyright October 2016 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. No part of
this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, posted on the Internet, or transmitted,
in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without
prior written permission from the publisher.
ZIKA VIRUS
Protect Yourself.
The Zika virus spreads to humans in
the following ways:
• Through a bite by an infected mosquito
• From a pregnant woman to her fetus during
pregnancy or around the time of birth
• During sex
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Symptoms of Zika virus infection:
• Symptoms usually are mild.
• Symptoms include fever; rash; joint pain;
and red, itchy eyes.
• Many people with Zika virus infection do not
have any symptoms.
Protect Your Pregnancy.
If you are pregnant...
 Take strict steps to avoid mosquito bites.
 Use a condom each time you have sex if your partner lives in or
travels to an area where Zika virus is spreading.
 Don’t travel to areas where Zika virus is spreading.
 See your health care professional to discuss testing if
—you or your sexual partner have traveled or live in an area where
Zika is present or
—you or your sexual partner have symptoms of Zika virus infection.
If you want to get pregnant…
 Talk to your health care professional about
—your pregnancy plans
—the risks of Zika virus infection during
pregnancy
—your male sex partner’s risk of being
exposed to Zika virus
 Take strict steps to avoid mosquito bites.
There are risks to your fetus if you are pregnant and get Zika virus.
Zika can cause serious birth defects, including microcephaly and other brain abnormalities. Microcephaly can lead to lifelong problems,
such as seizures, feeding problems, hearing loss, vision problems, and learning difficulties.
There is no vaccine at this time. Avoiding infection is best.
The mark “CDC” is owned by
the US Dept. of Health and
Human Services and is used with
permission. Use of this logo is
not an endorsement by HHS or
CDC of any particular product,
service, or enterprise.